The School of Art in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences will welcome 100 students to the Summer Arts Workshop for rising 10th-12th grade high school students June 10-17. This is the fifth annual Summer Arts Workshop provided to students around the state and region at no cost.

Thanks to the Walton Charitable Support Foundation, the School of Art has been able to offer this free workshop to students, and this year the school will accept 100 students, doubling the number of students welcomed in the past.

The Summer Arts Workshop is an on-campus residential program for high school students at all skill levels from beginners through advanced. 

Students experience life on campus, School of Art courses taught by faculty, guest speakers and trips to local art museums like Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and The Momentary. They are able to expand their networks and knowledge about a career in the arts and opportunities here at the U of A School of Art.

"We are thrilled to increase the number of students we will serve in this workshop," said Donna Jones, director of recruitment and outreach. "Increasing access to the arts is the cornerstone of the gifts the school has received and is transforming students across the state and region. Students attending the Summer Arts Workshop experience an in-depth view of art in numerous avenues and mediums, and introduces students to pathways to higher education and a career in the arts."

High school students interested in attending the June workshop need to complete the Summer Arts Workshop application by March 20. Students are accepted into the workshop through a lottery system and a wait list will be started after the 100 spots are filled. The School of Art will reach out to the students on the waitlist if any spots become available.

"Last year the School of Art had a 60% increase in summer workshop applications," said Kayla Crenshaw, director of administration and communications of the School of Art. "The increase and interest immediately prompted us to expand workshop capacity in 2023. We can't wait to welcome more students to the U of A campus and create opportunities for them to experience art in a new way."

Workshop activities and courses will primarily be held at the new Studio and Design Center in the Windgate Art and Design District. The workshop will conclude with an art exhibition featuring work created by students throughout the week and be documented for their portfolio.

For more information about the School of Art and Summer Arts Workshop, visit art.uark.edu.